Yellow hues are common for Colorado landscapes. Over the summer, the state is blessed with many kinds of blooming wildflowers that transform its green valleys with golden tones.
Prairie sunflowers (helianthus petiolaris) are abundant on Colorado plains and along the roads. It's equally common on the dry soils in the eastern and southern parts of the state as well. Check out sunflower fields across the Pawnee National grasslands, throughout the summer. Pawnee Buttes Trail is most beautiful when it is blanketed by blooming sunflowers in June. In Great Sand Dunes National Park, the peak sunflower bloom occurs around the third week of August. Grasslands and shrublands area is especially scenic at this time with millions of flowers in bloom.
In the mountains, you can encounter an Alpine sunflower (hymenoxys grandiflora), which grows in tundra zone of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspen sunflower or little sunflower grows on lower elevations. However, much more often you'll come across aspen sunflowers growing along with mule's ears or wyethia, a plant of the sunflower family. Together they create a stunning sea of gold at Gunnison Area, and especially Almont Triangle and Crested Butte. This area is the prime destination for sunflower viewing in the Rockies where the peak bloom occurs in late June and early July. Kebler Pass, Farris Creek and Walrod trail, Crested Butte peak, and Lower Loop are some of the places, where you can spot them. Mule's ears are also abundant in the southwestern part of the state, particularly, at Lone Mesa State Park where peak bloom occurs in mid-June.
Due to a variety of flower species and various microclimates, you can find blooming sunflowers in Colorado throughout the whole summer!
Practical info
When can sunflowers be seen in their peak bloom in Colorado?
The sunflowers in Colorado reach peak bloom between June and August, depending on the location. The Crested Butte area and Pawnee Buttes Trail usually have sunflowers in full bloom by late June to early July. In Great Sand Dunes National Park, the peak bloom happens in late August, while in Lone Mesa State Park, it occurs in mid-June. Visitors can also witness other wildflowers like prairie coneflower, blanket flower, purple poppy mallow, and fireweed, among others. Show more
What are the recommended places in Colorado to see sunflowers?
Colorado showcases sunflowers in different locations, but the best spots to see them are in Pawnee National Grasslands, Crested Butte, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Lone Mesa State Park. There are also other locations to witness its beauty, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Fort Collins, Breckenridge, Almont Triangle, Kebler Pass, Farris Creek, Walrod Trail, and Lower Loop. Visitors can also appreciate Alpine and aspen sunflowers that can be found in Crested Butte, Gunnison Area, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Show more
What other wildflower species are common in summers in Colorado?
Apart from sunflowers, Colorado boasts of numerous wildflower species in the summer season. Wild bergamot, prairie coneflower, fireweed, blanket flower, scarlet globemallow, and purple poppy mallow are just some of the flowers to see. In the Rocky Mountain National Park, Crested Butte, and Gunnison Area, visitors can also spot Alpine and aspen sunflowers that are from the sunflower family. The wildflower experience is heightened by the breathtaking mountain views available in Colorado's natural parks and reserves. Show more
When does Pawnee Buttes Trail have peak sunflower blooms?
At Pawnee Buttes Trail, sunflowers reach peak bloom in June, filling the landscape with a yellow glow. The area is abundant with prairie sunflowers that make the Colorado plains and the roadsides vibrant. Throughout the summer months, the Pawnee National Grasslands are bursting with sunflowers. Seeing this amazing sight gives visitors a chance to appreciate the pure beauty of nature that is found in Colorado. Show more
What other activities are available in Crested Butte during sunflower viewing?
While viewing the sunflowers in Crested Butte, visitors have a variety of activities to enjoy. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival provides many guided tours and hikes, creating a comprehensive wildflower experience for visitors. The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park offers an adrenaline-filled adventure for mountain biking enthusiasts. Visitors can have fun fishing, hiking, and even taking the scenic chairlift to see the valley's incredible view filled with wildflowers from above. Crested Butte has many activities that will cater to different interests, making it an enjoyable destination during summer. Show more
